AUGUSTINE DIRECTION

AUGUSTINE DIRECTION

Have you thanked Him?

Have you praised Him?

Have you made it your priority to agree and cooperate with Him today?

Have you taken that deep breath and listened for what He has for you today?

1 Timothy 2:1 (The Message)

The first thing I want you to do is pray. Pray every way you know how, for everyone you know.

“Trust the past to God’s mercy, the present to God’s love, and the future to God’s providence.” - St. Augustine (354-430)

Isn’t that good?

Boy do I think so.

It is profound and “spot on” for me. It speaks to my recovery most definitely; encouraging me to focus on the day, to let go and let GOD and to not worry about tomorrow, because only GOD has a handle on that!

Matthew 6:34 (LB)

So, don’t be anxious about tomorrow. God will take care of your tomorrow too. Live one day at a time.

But that quote and wisdom from Augustine offers so much more than that!

It offers assurance, peace, and direction!

It reminds us that grace has covered our sins completely and without question; that GOD through His marvelous mercy can be trusted with all the baggage, the hurt, the mistakes and failures of days long gone. I don’t know about you, but I need that to make it through the day at my doorstep this morning. I need to be reminded to constantly embrace my newness or run the risk of old forgotten sins tripping me up.

Augustine provides the confirmation that a day spent in the love, care and direction of GOD is most certainly a blessed one; full of possibility, promise and provision!

For a day in your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere.

Psalm 84:10 (KJV)

And lastly and perhaps most importantly for me and so many others who are walking this recovery life or striding forward in their faith walk, Augustine reminds us to trust GOD. He reminds us to live in the moment and not get to preoccupied with what we don’t have or what will happen next. Instead we should leave all of that to the amazing providence of GOD.

He certainly knows what is best for us.

That familiar passage is evidence!

For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.

Jeremiah 29:11 (ESV)

What is truly amazing is that over the past few days I have watched all three phases of this little quote from the saint come to light in the lives of some of those GOD has placed in my path.

I have been witness to a mom and grandma who is beginning to understand the mercies of GOD; its refreshment, its liberation. I have celebrated “one more day” of sobriety and freedom with countless others. I get to share and revel with many who are trusting and experiencing the wondrous providence of GOD for his future.

Pretty remarkable.

So, can I offer a suggestion for you today?

Re-read that little quote one more time; absorb it.

“Trust the past to God’s mercy, the present to God’s love, and the future to God’s providence.” - St. Augustine (354-430)

Also grab this little verse that may have been his inspiration...

Psalm 9:10 (LB)

All those who know your MERCY, Lord, will count on you for help. For you have never yet forsaken those who TRUST in you.

...and let both lead you today.

I love you all!

HAVE A BLESSED WEEKEND!

OPPORTUNITIES for HOPE